WINNIPEG — Starting Feb. 1, all drugs containing codeine will require a prescription in Manitoba.
This includes codeine products, such as Tylenol 1, Robaxacet-8, Calmylin and some cough syrups, which could previously be purchased without a prescription.
The College of Pharmacists of Manitoba said its making the move in order to address the serious side effects of the drug when used improperly, including addiction and liver failure.
“This change will help reduce the harmful effects that can occur with the improper use of the exempted codeine products,” said College President, Glenda Marsh.
Under the new rule, a person must be assessed in person by a doctor, a nurse-practitioner, dentist, or a pharmacist before getting a prescription to buy an exempted codeine product.
Codeine is a narcotic used as an opioid remedy for the relief of mild to moderate pain and treatment of coughs.
With files from the Canadian Press
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